Peacock cools comeback hype

Peacock: Has been out of action since August

Returning Leeds prop Jamie Peacock has warned Rhinos fans he may need time to re-discover his best form.

Peacock has been named in the Leeds squad to face Castleford on Friday after an eight-month layoff having ruptured his cruciate ligament last August.

Ironically, The Jungle represents a return to the scene of his horror injury, but Peacock has cooled the hype surrounding his involvement.

“It’s like pre-season for me and it’s not realistic to expect me to get back to how I was playing straight away,” he said.

Tough game

“It’s been the longest break I’ve ever had and it’s going to take some time to find my feet.

“But it’s going to be a 20 to 25-game season for me which is fantastic. I’m still going to be fresh at the end of the year when the important games come round.”

Peacock is expecting a tough game from Castleford, who are two points above Rhinos in the Super League following their best start to a campaign.

“They’ve got some good players,” he said. “We always have difficult games with them, with it being a local derby.

“It’s good to see young British players coming through at Cas. Terry Matterson and the club are doing a great job.”

Peacock’s injury denied the prop the chance to captain England on their Four Nations trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Fantastic

The 33-year-old could be in line for a return to the national side as skipper against the Exiles next month but, for now, his priorities lie with his club.

“I’m just concentrating on doing my best for Leeds,” he said. “I’ve five games before the England match and I’ll be looking to improve with each one.”

“It’s been the longest break I’ve ever had and it’s going to take some time to find my feet. “
Jamie Peacock Quotes of the week

Meanwhile, with Castleford front rower Craig Huby suffering a fractured kneecap in his side’s defeat at St Helens on Monday, Peacock offered his sympathy as his opposite number prepares for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“My thoughts are with Craig,” he said. “He’s been going very well this year and showed what a fantastic player he is. He is one of reasons Cas are going so well.

“He’s still a young fella though and he’ll be back before long.”